Zucchini Ripieni Recipes

STUFFED ZUCCHINI - ZUCCHINI RIPIENI

Steps:

• Cut ends off zucchini and trim to same length, wash and drain.
• Boil in lightly salted water for 10 minutes or until half cooked, drain and cool (you may dip in ice water to help cool).
• Slice in half lengthwise and scoop pulp into a colander to drain a little.
• Leave about 1/4 inch thick walls in the zucchini, make them like a boat.
• In a bowl mix pulp, ham, parsley, basil, breadcrumbs, eggs and all of the parmesan except 2 tablespoons.
• Add nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste, stir well (I only use about 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, but use to your taste, or leave out).
• In a saucepan melt 1/4 C of the butter, stir in the flour, gradually stir in milk and stir over low heat until it has thickened and is bubbly.
• Gradually stir sauce into zucchini mixture, add more bread crumbs if mixture is not thick enough to spoon.
• Useing a spoon fill zucchini shells with the mixture and arrange themm side by side in a shallow buttered baking dish.
• Sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese and bake at 350 for 1/2 hour, serve hot.
• For an added touch mix 2 or 3 tablespoons of finely grated mozzarella cheese with the 2 tablespoons of parmesan then sprinkle on top.

GLUTEN-FREE STUFFED ZUCCHINI BLOSSOMS (FIOR DI ZUCCA RIPIENI)

Steps:

• Mix mozzarella cheese and Parmesan-Reggiano cheese together in a bowl until smooth. Stuff 1 tablespoon cheese mixture into each zucchini blossom and pinch the ends closed.
• Mix rice flour, eggs, milk, sparkling water, sweet rice flour, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. Place stuffed blossoms in flour mixture; toss gently until covered.
• Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Fry blossoms in oil until crisp and pale golden brown, about 2 minutes. Rest blossoms on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

RIPIENI (ZUCCHINI AND EGGPLANT ROLLS)

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a griddle or frying pan. Add a single layer of sliced vegetables and cook until the underside is golden. Turn over and cook the other side. Repeat with remaining slices and leave to cool.
• Spread a thin layer of ricotta over 1 side of the eggplant and zucchini slices. Arrange the prosciutto on top of half the slices and season to taste. Spread the pesto over the remaining slices and top with a few torn arugula leaves.
• Roll up, enclosing the fillings and arrange on a bed of arugula leaves.
• Top with the parmesan shavings and drizzle over the remaining oil. Add extra seasoning to taste.

EASY ZUCCHINI RELISH

Steps:

• Toss zucchini and onion with salt in a large bowl. Refrigerate overnight to drain. Rinse vegetables with cold water and drain well.
• Mix dry mustard, celery seed, nutmeg, and black pepper in a bowl.
• Heat vinegar, sugar, spice mix, zucchini mixture, and red bell pepper in a large pot over medium heat. Simmer until vegetables are tender, about 25 minutes.
• Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the vegetables into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then carefully lower the jars into the pot using a holder. Leave a 2 inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary until the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a full boil, cover the pot, and process for 25 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all).